When most of us think of printing, we still think of sheets of paper, but that's going to change and a metro library is helping teach the way.

The Ankeny Public Library is working to add a maker space that even offers patrons a chance to test 3D printing.

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"It's called Hatch, and it's our maker space," said Sarah Willeford, director of library services at the Kirkendall Public Library.

The space features a variety of 21st century tools, including the Makerbot Replicator 3D printer. The device uses spools of plastic to print objects in 3D one layer at a time until the entire object appears.

"I was amazed. I was like the teens with my face up watching each layer," said Willeford.

Assistant Library Director Eric Melton has been putting it to good use by making marker holders, brackets and even a 3D scan of himself.

"It was not on my radar at all. I went into being a librarian because I liked books and computers, but this is an exciting new direction I think that more and more libraries will take," said Melton.

Hatch includes audio visual equipment as well to convert your old tapes and vinyl records into a digital format or to shoot a new movie in front of the green screen.

It also features sewing machines that are almost entirely computerized.

"We're very interested to see what the community will do in this space and what will come," said Willeford.

Library officials said the cost for the space will total about $12,000, but the cost of creating in it will be free. Users will only have to cover their own materials.

Hatch was paid for by the Kirkendall Public Library Foundation and fundraising by the Friends of the Library group.

You can check it out for yourself during an open house on Monday. They'll also be holding programs periodically to teach people how to use the equipment.